What Is Operation Sceptre?

Operation Sceptre is a national campaign dedicated to reducing knife crime. Hampshire’s approach to tackling knife crime has three main strands:

1. Prevention and awareness — explaining the danger and legal consequences of carrying a weapon, particularly to young people. 

2. Disruption — through weapon sweeps, stop-and-search, targeted operations, and visits to habitual knife carriers. 

3. Education — working with schools and community partners, to give young people positive alternatives and build resilience. 

Hampshire Constabulary also works closely with its Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), which brings together policing, education, public health, and community organisations to tackle the root causes of serious violence. 

Last week, Brighton Hill hosted Hampshire Police to hold a series of assemblies for students to raise awareness for the legalities and risks associated with knives, with the hope of preventing future concerns. 

Recent Impact in Hampshire:

Here are some of the outcomes from the recent Sceptre “weeks of action” in Hampshire, which help show why this work matters:

• During a recent week of action, 553 knives were surrendered via public bins. 

• A total of 637 weapons (knives and other offensive objects) were either seized by police or handed in. 

• In May 2023, there were 87 school engagements, plus community events and stop-and-search operations. 

• In the more recent November 2024 Sceptre week, 338 knives were removed from the streets and 20 arrests were made. 

These figures reflect not just enforcement, but also strong community engagement and a focus on education.

How Can You Support Your Child(ren):

Here are some ways that you as parents can play a part in supporting your child:

1. Have open, but honest, conversations:

   • Explain the law: It’s illegal to carry a knife in public without a good reason, and certain weapons are banned even in private. 

   • Talk about risk: According to the police, carrying a knife doesn’t make someone safer — in fact, it increases the danger. 

   • Encourage them to walk away: The safest response, if someone feels threatened, is often to leave and report concerns. 

2. Know what support is available:

   • Use resources like Fearless.org, which the police recommend for young people to get non-judgemental advice or report crime anonymously. There is a flyer attached at the bottom of this post.

   • Be aware of local support organisations: The Ben Kinsella Trust, Victim Care, Victim Support, Childline, and others are all linked via the Constabulary’s campaign page. 

3. Watch for warning signs in your child’s behaviour
   Hampshire Police highlight indicators that could suggest a young person is at risk: secrecy about their friendships or activities, being more withdrawn, strange or expensive items appearing out of nowhere, or changes in attendance at school.

   If you're worried, have a calm conversation. Ask who they’re spending time with, how they feel about safety, and if they know where to get help.

4. Work with other parents and the community

   • Talk to the parents of your children’s friends: If one family is worried, others may be too, and together you can look out for each other.

   • Engage with your school: Ask whether the school is running Sceptre-week events or workshops on knife crime.

   • Encourage community reporting: The police ask people to report knife crime if they have information, through 101, their online form, or anonymously via Crimestoppers. 

As always, we know that working together is the most powerful way that we can support our students and the whole Brighton Hill community, so please do reach out to the safeguarding team (safeguarding@bhcs.sfet.org.uk) for further advice and support if needed.